Dr. Mohler’s Typological Interpretation of the SBC in the 20th Century

This morning at SBTS Dr. Mohler gave a riveting presentation on the Future of the Southern Baptist Convention. The focus of the presentation was on how we got to be where we are now, and then Dr. Mohler gave a brief prescription for what needs to happen.

Dr. Mohler didn’t use the phrase “typological interpretation” in his presentation, but that seems to me to be what he basically did. He pointed to correspondences between the organizational structure of General Motors and the SBC, and between Shopping Malls and the SBC. There are a lot of similarities. GM is now bankrupt and owned by the taxpayers. The last Shopping Mall built in this country was completed in 2006, and existing Shopping Malls are being shut down because retail fads have gone other directions. The implications for the SBC are obvious.

The gist of Dr. Mohler’s prescription for us is this: what we need is not a new visit from the marketing strategists who will tell us how to be this generation’s “mac guy” of the religious market. What we need is a return to the Bible to find a theological and convictional basis for our cooperation, and then we need to be more interested in doing the work of the ministry than in maintaining the bureaucracy.

One Response to Dr. Mohler’s Typological Interpretation of the SBC in the 20th Century

Stumbled upon your web site. Interesting comparison by Dr. Mohler. Most evangelical churches have relied on commercial marketing strategies to promote and disseminate the Gospel rather than depending upon the power of the Holy Spirit and conviction of our hearts. I especially agree that ALL CHURCHES/ALL CHRISTIANS need to sink our roots deep within the Word of God from which the Body of Christ is intended to draw nourishment and power.
Carol Roberts
Kentucky